No Pink Spandex – Episode 386: Hasbro Pulse Fan Fest 2021 (2:21:00, 92 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: Recorded on Sunday, April 11, 2021. We cover the news for the past 2 weeks including Kamen Rider turning 50 and Hasbro Pulse Fan Fest 2021.

Links

Kamen Rider BLACK SUN, Shin Kamen Rider Announced at 50th Anniversary Event via Funimation

Kamen Rider Anime FUUTO PI Announced for 50th Anniversary, Coming to Funimation in 2022 via Funimation

Shout! Factory and Toei Company, Ltd. Announce Deal for North American Distribution of KAMEN RIDER ZERO-ONE, KAMEN RIDER RYUKI via Shout! Factory

Super7 ReAction Power Rangers Figures On Sale

Hasbro Pulse Fan Fest 2021 Livestream via Hasbro Pulse

Support No Pink Spandex!

Subscribe to the podcast at linktr.ee/nopinkspandex

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 370: Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger (2:24:31, 100 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: Recorded Sunday, December 20, 2020 and Sunday, December 27, 2020. We have a jam-packed news episode covering all the Power Ranger and Super Sentai things including if Power Rangers Dino Fury will get a teamup, Lightning Collection toy leaks, the comic one-shot Power Rangers Unlimited: Heir to the Darkness, and the announcements and leaks from Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger!

Support No Pink Spandex!

Get your 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime today by using our associate link http://nop.ink/amazonprime!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 365: You Say, “Hire Me To Write Power Rangers!” I Say, “No.” (1:17:23, 54 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS365.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: Recorded on Sunday, November 29, 2020. We’re back with an all-news episode! We discuss John Tui’s new TV show with The Rock, Beast Morphers ending in the US, Comic book updates and spoiler warnings, Ross Richie (CEO of BOOM! Studios) on how not to ask for a writing job, and the Lightning Collection Spectrum Series has arrived.

Timestamps

00:00:00 | Intros and Quick News Rundown!
00:21:26 | Ross Richie (CEO of BOOM! Studios) on how not to ask for a writing job
00:54:36 | Lightning Collection Spectrum Series has arrived

Links

Preorder Mighty Morphin #2, Power Rangers #2, and Mighty Morphin / Power Rangers #1 Limited Edition (Hardcover) from Amazon. (Commissions earned via links.)

Check out Ross Richie’s YouTube Channel to learn more about the comic book industry.

Support No Pink Spandex!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 358: Review of “Power Rangers: Drakkon New Dawn” Issue 2 (1:07:49, 47 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS358.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: We discuss the news from last week including Hasbro PulseCon panels announced for Power Rangers. Then we review the comic Power Rangers: Drakkon New Dawn #2.

Links

Power Rangers: Drakkon New Dawn Issue 2 is out now in stores and online.
Register for free tickets to Renegade Con Virtual, happening October 9-11, 2020.

Support No Pink Spandex!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 357: Lightning Collection Wave 7 Leaks (1:21:22, 59 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

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Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Brandon

Topics: Recorded Thursday, September 10, 2020. We discuss the news including guest announcements for Hasbro PulseCon and Lightning Collection Wave 7 leaks. Plus, did the Power Rangers Dino Fury cast get revealed?!

We are one day away from our 15th anniversary! Make sure to celebrate with us on September 17, 2020 on all the socials. There may be a surprise or two!

Links

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 354: Review of “Power Rangers: Drakkon New Dawn” Issue 1 (1:49:43, 76 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS354.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: We cover the news including Lightning Collection Wave 6 and Lord Drakkon Evo III toys in the wild, and release dates and variant covers for Mighty Morphin & Power Rangers comics. Then we take a deep dive into comics Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #53 & Power Rangers: Drakkon New Dawn #1.

Links

GameStop is still having their Power Rangers flash sale on select collectibles including Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa, Mighty Morphin Blue Ranger, Mighty Morphin Red Ranger Helmet, Dragon Dagger, and other Lightning Collection items.

We’ve got some more great interviews coming in August, so please subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 353: Fan First Friday (1:59:22, 82 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS353.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Ranger Liz

Topics: Recorded on Sunday, August 16, 2020. We have guest co-host Ranger Liz back on the show to discuss all the Power Rangers news including new toys out in the wild, Hasbro’s Fan First Friday announcements, and production for Power Rangers Dino Fury.

Links

We’ve got some more great interviews coming in August, so please subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 349: San Diego Comic-Con @ Home (1:53:36, 78 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS349.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: We discuss all the news from and around San Diego Comic-Con 2020 including the Lightning Collection Lord Drakkon EVO III exclusive and Dino Charge Black Ranger Target exclusive, first looks at Kamen Rider Saber, and comics news about Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers: Sins of the Future, and Power Rangers: Drakkon New Dawn. Also, friend of the show Kenn Glenn gives his review of the Lightning Collection Mighty Morphin Power Morpher!

Links

We’ve got some great interviews coming in August, so please subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 348: Review of “Power Rangers: Ranger Slayer” (2:00:46, 83 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS348.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: We have a packed episode for you today! We discuss the news including Lightning Collection items popping up in the wild internationally and a new Mighty Morphin Thunder Megazord on display at CCG Expo Shanghai 2020. Then we cover Power Rangers comic releases in November 2020 and review the new one-shot Power Rangers: Ranger Slayer.

Links

Purchase “Power Rangers: Ranger Slayer”

Power Rangers: Ranger Slayer is out now in stores and online. Buy your copy today!

San Diego Comic-Con 2020 Power Rangers Panels

Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 1:00pm PT: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Future Is Now by BOOM! Studios
Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 3:00pm PT: It’s Morphin’ Time! Power Rangers Meet Up

Support No Pink Spandex!

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our associate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 346: Lightning Collection “Surprise” (1:49:08, 75 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS346.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: We cover the news including “new” Lightning Collection items being release, and Shamus Kelley from Den of Geek interviewing Executive Producer Simon Bennett (Power Rangers Dino Fury).

Links

You can preorder the Psycho Rangers 5-pack Amazon Exclusive here: https://amzn.to/3gHon15
You can preorder the SPD Omega Ranger Amazon Exclusive here: https://amzn.to/2ZQfz2c
You can preorder the Mighty Morphin Red Ranger Helmet on Hasbro Pulse here: go.hasb.ro/2W1Mb81

No Pink Spandex – Episode 326: Review of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 48 (1:49:19, 75 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS326.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Spy

Topics: We discuss the news including follow up information from Toy Fair New York 2020, Zeo Megazord seen at Melbourne Toy Fair 2020, Power Rangers Time Force graphic novel, upcoming Power Rangers Beast Morphers episodes, and much more! After we give a reality check to a former ranger, we review Issue 48 of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comic.

Links

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our affiliate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 325: Toy Fair New York 2020 (2:17:01, 94 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS325.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, Spy, and Brandon

Topics: We discuss all the news from Toy Fair New York 2020, including new comics from Boom! Studios, Hasbro’s 2020 toy line, and the upcoming series of Power Rangers. Plus Lisa J visits the Jada Toys booth, and then interviews Mona Hwang, Manager of Global Brand Development & Marketing for Hasbro.

Links

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our affiliate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 324: Review of Go Go Power Rangers Issue 29 (1:18:54, 54 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS324.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Spy

Topics: We discuss the news of the week including comics, Hasbro’s Q4 2019 earnings call, and toy news including the Rita Repulsa/Lord Zedd two-pack exclusive at Gamestop. Then we delve into our comic review of Go Go Power Rangers Issue 29.

Links

Preorder the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Beyond the Grid Deluxe Hardcover Edition at Amazon for $60.00.

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our affiliate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

No Pink Spandex – Episode 314: Lightning Collection Wave 4 — OMG! TRINI! (51:32, 36 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS314.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J, Jer, and Spy

Topics: We discuss Wave 4 of the Power Rangers Lightning Collection line and rumors of the next adapted Power Rangers series.

Links

Update after recording: You can preorder Wave 4 right now at Hasbro Pulse. Release date is March 1, 2020. You can also preorder Wave 4 on Amazon: nop.ink/amazon04

You can help support No Pink Spandex by shopping on Amazon with our affiliate link. Bookmark http://nop.ink/amazon today!

Dacre Montgomery is raising funds for the Australian Red Cross to help the current Australian wildfire crisis. Please help to spread the word and donate if you are able.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. AND LOS ANGELES – FEB. 16, 2018 – Today, Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS), a global play and entertainment company, and Saban Brands announced that Hasbro has been named the global master toy licensee for Saban’s Power Rangers. Under the terms of the agreement and in collaboration with Saban Brands, Hasbro will design, produce and bring to market a wide variety of toys, games and role-play items inspired by the franchise and its entertainment properties. Hasbro will hold the worldwide rights, excluding Japan and certain other Asian markets, effective as of April 1, 2019.

“We are honored to create a world of play experiences for such an iconic action brand,” said Brian Goldner, Chairman and CEO of Hasbro. “Saban’s Power Rangers are universally recognized and their hallmark attributes of teamwork and inclusivity perfectly align with our core values at Hasbro.”

“Hasbro leads the way in brand storytelling and creating engaging experiences across its exceptional portfolio of blockbuster and partner brands,” said Haim Saban, founder of Saban Brands and creator of Power Rangers. “Quality, innovation and a focus on designing dynamic products for fans of all ages makes Hasbro a great partner for Power Rangers.”

Created by Haim Saban and launched in 1993, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. Today, Power Rangers is one of the longest running kids’ live-action series in television history with nearly 900 episodes produced to date. The TV series, currently in its 25th season with Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel, and feature films, including 2017’s movie with Lionsgate, follows the adventures of a group of ordinary teens who morph into superheroes and save the world from evil. Saban’s Power Rangers currently airs in 150 markets around the world and is translated into numerous languages.

The first set of products from Hasbro will be available in spring 2019. Both Hasbro and Saban Brands are dedicated to continue growing this iconic brand. In recognition of this investment and during a period of time after Hasbro becomes the master toy licensee, the arrangement provides Saban Brands and Hasbro with the opportunity to initiate Hasbro’s purchase of the Power Rangers property.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through Hasbro Studios and its film labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 1 on the 2017 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past six years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

© 2018 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Saban’s Power Rangers

Saban’s Power Rangers franchise is the brainchild of Haim Saban, creator and producer of the original, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hit series that launched in 1993. Following its introduction, “Power Rangers” quickly became the most-watched television program in the United States and remains one of the top-rated and longest running kids’ live-action series in television history. The series, currently in its 25^th season, follows the adventures of a group of ordinary teens who morph into superheroes and save the world from evil. It is seen in more than 150 markets, translated into numerous languages and a favorite on many key international children’s programming blocks around the world. For more information, visitwww.powerrangers.com.

About Saban Brands

Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands acquires, develops and manages a world-class portfolio of entertainment properties. Saban Brands applies a global 360-degree management approach to growing and monetizing its brands through content, digital, marketing, distribution, licensing and retail in markets worldwide. Saban Brands’ growing entertainment portfolio of brands includes Power Rangers, Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty, Paul Frank, Popples, Glitter Force, Cirque du Soleil Junior – Luna Petunia and La Banda, amongst many others. Saban Brands is headquartered in Los Angeles with a global network of offices. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Hasbro will be the master toy maker for Saban Brands’ Power Rangers.

“The toy manufacturer will control the master toy license for Power Rangers worldwide, with the exception of Japan and a small number of other Asian markets, where it will remain with longtime partner Bandai.”

The new Power Rangers movie is only two months away and that means it’s time for a new round of merchandise. Bandai America is here with their offerings for the film. First up is the largest megazord in Power Rangers toy history. Retailing at $19.99 for each individual zord ($39.99 for Jason’s tyrannosaurus) you can build the Movie Megazord. However, Toys “R” Us has an exclusive offer that packs in all five zords at a twenty dollar savings.

Also available is the basic line of five inch action figures. I review the Target exclusive, metallic five pack of the rangers along with Goldar and Alpha 5. Each figure clocks in $9.99 a pop and Goldar is free in the collector’s pack.

Finally, check out the movie exclusive Power Morpher for $29.99 complete with the five ranger coins. You first saw the Red Ranger coin in my review of the New York Comic Con exclusive Legacy version of the movie figure. Check out all of these Power Rangers movie-related reviews and much more at my YouTube channel Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews. There you will find reviews for the Legacy line, Super Sentai reviews, and an assortment of other unboxing videos.

You can purchase the Megazord online at Toys ‘R’ Us in the United States.

The folks at Power Rangers Now have pictures of the Power Rangers movie morpher with power coins! You can check out the rest of the images here.

The first movie toy, exclusively at New York Comic Con, will be a limited-edition Legacy Collection Movie Red Ranger with his sword and power coin! Only 1,000 have been made and each day, there will be limited quantities available at Bandai’s booth, #1628.

Here’s a first look at the Red Ranger’s sword for the Power Rangers movie coming out on March 24, 2017:

Bandai America is coming to New York Comic Con (October 6th-9th) with two exclusive offerings including the first-ever toy for the upcoming Power Rangers movie. Details on the figure aren’t available at this time but we do know that it will be limited to 1,000 pieces at a price point of $40.

Also available will be a limited edition Tokyo Vinyl figure of the Dino Megazord from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. This figure was designed by Japanese vinyl artist TOUMA and will only have 500 pieces in circulation. Priced at $60, both the Dino Megazord and movie figure will be available for purchase at the Bandai America booth #1628.

(Courtesy: Bandai America)

For the third straight installment, Power Morphicon – the biennial Power Rangers convention in Pasadena, California – has partnered with Bandai America to bring fans an exclusive figure. This time, it’s a black and gold version of the Dino Megazord that can be created by combining individual pieces packaged with each member of the Mighty Morphin’ team. Coming in at a price of $40, this limited to 500 figures item is a surefire rarity.

Speaking of the new legacy collection line of action figures, the first wave is currently hitting shelves across the country and it includes both the Red and Green Rangers from Mighty Morphin’ and all three Wind Rangers from Ninja Storm. Priced at $19.99, these figures have only been seen in Target as of the writing of this article but they should soon be available at all major retailers.

To hear my thoughts on both the PMC exclusive Dino Megazord and the three Ninja Storm figures, please follow this link to my YouTube channel: Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews. While you’re there, you can also check out my many other reviews for recent Power Rangers and Super Sentai releases. In addition to that, I’m also counting down all of the Power Rangers seasons in a series of videos and so much more.

The long-awaited prop that fans have been clamoring for years to get their hot little hands on has finally started to hit store shelves. The latest Toys”R”Us-exclusive legacy item is a replica of the classic communicator for all of your teleporting and Zordon-chatting needs. It comes in two versions: a regular version for the main five rangers and a special Tommy Oliver edition if you prefer the green and white motif. At the moment, only the latter version has been seen in stores. Retailing at $79.99 the item is wearable on adult wrists and contains many vintage Power Rangers phrases.

To hear my full and frank review of the toy along with other reviews of previously released legacy items, click here to visit my channel Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews on YouTube. Check out reviews for both the Falconzord and Thunder Megazord along with my Super Sentai reviews and other musings.

Bandai of America has transitioned from the power of thunder to the stealthy ninjetti of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers‘ third season with their Toys”R”Us-exclusive Legacy line. While the movie version of the Power Morpher and the Legacy Communicator are still in the pipeline, the Legacy Falconzord has recently hit the shelves. Retailing for $59.99, this collectible sports the same die cast metal and increased details that separate it from the original 1995 release.

Join me over on YouTube at Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews to hear my thoughts on the White Ranger’s bird of prey along with other reviews of recent Legacy items like the Thunder Megazord, the Black Edition Megazord, and so much more.

Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger is the 40th anniversary installment in the Super Sentai franchise. Over on my Youtube channel – Captain Subpar’s Toy Reviews – I’ve been giving the mecha for the series a once over including my first impressions, thoughts on the overall designs for the series, and musings on what’s to come.

Every season needs a theme and this one is no different. All of the rangers’ mechas are animal-themed cubes that stack on one another in groups of three. The main robo is built from the Red (eagle), Blue (shark), and Yellow (lion) Ranger’s mecha with the Green (elephant) and White (tiger) Ranger’s mechas being interchangeable additions. A giraffe-themed bazooka is also available.

If you’re looking to learn more about the latest Super Sentai series then please head on over to my channel for all that and more. There you’ll also find reviews for Shuriken Sentai Ninninger toys, Power Rangers Legacy exclusives, and monthly Loot Crate/Loot Anime unboxing videos.

In this installment of OMGURLFTW!, we look at our very own co-host Jer aka Captain Subpar and his YouTube channel!

If you have listened to our podcasts in the past, Jer has always had insightful views and reviews on toys, and I don’t know anyone who owns more Super Sentai toys than this guy! His latest episode reviews Boukenger and Final Combiners, so check it out and subscribe!

Acclaimed tokusatsu mecha artist Tsuyoshi Nonaka has given fans a first look at the Legacy Thunder Megazord. Best known for his work on the Soul of Chogokin line of collector’s toys based on mecha from 70’s and 80’s anime, Nonaka has been an integral part of designing the Power Rangers Legacy series.

While no exact date has been announced, Bandai representatives told fans earlier this year at San Diego Comic Con to expect the Legacy Thunder Megazord to hit Toys”R”Us shelves in the spring of 2016 at a suggested retail price of $199.99.

One of the newer assortments from the Power Rangers’ endless line is the Armored Rangers series. Debuting last year, I first took notice of it when I saw that the Super Megaforce Red Ranger figure came complete with weapons from past seasons such as ZEO and SPD. The line expanded to include the Red, Green, and White Rangers from Mighty Morphin’. It’s good to see the continuation of this assortment with Dino Charge and I decided that now would be as good of a time as ever to get my first hand’s on experience with it.

Currently only the Red Ranger is available. The box indicates that the Green Ranger will be available in this assortment although he had not yet hit stores as of the writing of this review. Here’s hoping that this line will eventually feature other prominent rangers from past seasons. At the very least, I would love to see the entire team be released including the Pink Ranger.

The packaging is a fairly basic window design. Both casual viewers and hardcore fans will immediately notice that the big selling point of the figure is that it comes with twelve accessories. The back of the box isn’t very flashy. It prominently displays all of the pieces that come with the figure and a unique image of the Dino Charge Red Ranger sporting the orange deinosuchus (i.e. Deinosgrander in Kyoryuger) powered up form. It’s a decent design but a bit on the sparse side.

Unboxing the figure is somewhat simple. Everything is on a clear card that easily slides out. There are a few plastic ties that need to be cut in order to retrieve both the ranger and a couple of his larger items. The figure is seven inches tall and has a fairly high level of posability. There are ball joints on the shoulders, legs, wrists, and neck. Even the torso swivels at multiple points. I believe that the only glaring omission in this department is the ankles which only have a basic back and forth range of motion. This can limit certain crouching stances.

Painted details for this figure are about the same as the basic line with a couple of minor downgrades. The scaling on the arms that is signature to these suits ends at the ball joints just below the shoulders. The arms are not the signature, slighter darker hue of the ranger’s individual color. The yellow triangle with the ranger’s dinosaur symbol is not properly raised. Finally, the claws on the glows are represented but still painted only white.

On the plus side, there are more painted details on the back as opposed to the basic assortment. The Dino Charge shoulder piece is well-sculpted as is the very pronounced belt buckle. The figure has great definition and sports all of the proper molding.

My biggest concern from an aesthetic point of view comes at the wrist ball joints. Unlike the depicted box art, these joints are red. As you can imagine, red joints that separate white gloves look off. It’s a curious decision that gives the impression that the character is wearing both white gauntlets and small white gloves. This problem could easily be solved with a brief, do it yourself touch up job but it makes me wonder why white joints weren’t used in the first place?

As alluded to earlier, this figure really shines with its vast array of weapons. It features both the Dino Charge Morpher and Dino Saber as individual weapons along with their combined form complete with three different colors of paint that elucidate a high level of detail previously unreached with Power Rangers merchandise. The Red Ranger also has his specific weapon painted in both red and silver. It will be interesting to see if the rest of the team’s weapons are released in future assortments in order to create the combined blaster.

Here is where things get interesting for the more persnickety fans. The figure’s arms can be detached at both the wrists and end of the gloves in order to add silver armor and the aforementioned orange deinosuchus weapons. I’m a stickler for detail so I must mention this: in the show’s footage, when the rangers use their regular powered up form, there is only supposed to be silver armor on the right arm. When they use the orange power up, there is supposed to be gold armor on both arms. This figure comes with only silver armor for both arms. It’s a minor detail that will likely only matter to the most staunch of collectors but it’s worth noting.

Finally, the figure has an extra set of open hands if you’d prefer to pose the Red Ranger in an action shot that doesn’t involve holding weapons. It’s a welcome addition the ups the playability factor and helps this line stand out from all other currently available Power Rangers figures.

The suggested retail price for this assortment is $16.99 which I deem to be fair. Mine was purchased at Target for $14.99. This is an interesting first foray into figures of this type for me. Typically, I go for either the cheaper, basic figures or the much more detailed and expensive Figuarts line from Japan. This Dino Charge assortment falls somewhere in the middle of those two options. The weapons are gorgeous. Bandai followed the correct instinct in making that the selling point. To the best of my recollection, this is one of the most flexible figures ever put out for Power Rangers. The molded attributes are nearly perfect and while the painted details aren’t totally up to snuff, they’re passable.

The figure’s larger size might be the most ideal for children. I tend to lean towards the weapon assortment being a bigger draw for adult fans but as the show progresses, I could see kids coming back to this toy and updating its look as the rangers unlock more powers. I’m not quite as over the moon on this figure as I was the basic assortment but I would still say that you  will get your money’s worth with this purchase.

The Quick and Dirty

Pros

• Tons of accessories
• More detailed paint applications overall
• Highly poseable

Cons

• Somewhat plain packaging
• Some minor paint still missing
• Ankles could use ball joints

Overall Grade: B+

If there is one constant in the Power Rangers franchise, it’s the basic action figures assortment. My parents couldn’t always afford Megazords, but for me, the basic action figures were a must every year. I like to consider myself somewhat of a more discerning collector. I’m not going to buy everything available because: A) I don’t have that much disposable income, and B) I like to spend a nice chunk of what I do have on importing a lot of Super Sentai merchandise. I’ve always been one to pick and choose in a more selective manner just what I purchase from the Power Rangers line each year. However, I have always picked up the basic figures and I’m happy to say that this year’s assortment is one of the more eye-catching in recent memory.

The big trend that I utterly adored from the anniversary figures of the Super Megaforce line was the back of each card being customized according to the figure. Along those lines, the Dino Charge cards feature an individualized photo and short bio for the individual ranger. It’s interesting to note that these packages were clearly finalized prior to the show’s filming as the Red and Green Dino Charge Rangers are incorrectly named Quinn and Lucas, respectively.

Bandai has gotten in the habit of attaching the plastic packaging to the cards via taped tabs meaning that they can be opened with only a few simple cuts, thus preserving the card. For a collector who likes to keep the cards, this is a much-appreciated upgrade. By not having the plastic completely glued to the card, it’s much easier to store the clean cards.

Like the packaging, the figures are very much in line with their immediate predecessors. If you bought this line last year and had a positive experience with it, then you’ll be pleased to know that Bandai listened to your approval. Standing at five inches and just a hair taller than the Super Megaforce figures, both lines look quite natural together. One can only hope that this is the new standard going forward as opposed to the four inch figures from the Megaforce line of 2013.

The paint application on each figure is mostly satisfactory. The helmet details and chest symbols are perfectly detailed. Each ranger’s dinosaur symbol is slightly raised which is a nice, screen accurate detail. The intricacies of the belt buckles and backs are all included, however, both are painted a flat, silver-ish gray. The Dino Charge team is also supposed to feature silver claws on their gloves and while this feature is molded in, the gloves are painted all white. These are not unfamiliar problems but they are ones I would love to see solved in future assortments. Painting details of that level seem to be reserved for Figuarts.

I was particularly impressed by the details on the arms. One of the unique aspects of the Dino Charge uniforms is the dinosaur scaling on the arms that features slightly different shades of each ranger’s color. That detail was impeccably captured in this line and makes the team stand out from all others at nary a glance. I must admit that I was half-expecting that feature to be glossed over so to see it so intricately included was a huge boon for the line as a whole.

Another particular facet of the Dino Charge figures is the shoulder pad above the left arm. These figures depict it as a firm, fully molded piece that can easily be snapped on and off.

The level of articulation is what we have come to expect. The arms and legs feature ball joints. The hands swivel at the glove lines as do the feet at the boot lines. The neck has the same 360 degrees range of motion as the limbs. These aren’t the most poseable figures on the market, but they more than get the job done.

The figures stand perfectly fine with very little finagling required. Female rangers have been known to be a problem in the past since Bandai switched to a much more feminine build for the lady rangers. Ranger Series Yellow from the RPM line was one of the biggest past offenders in my experience. Recent lines have fixed that issue. The Pink Ranger stands up perfectly fine and won’t cause any problems for someone looking to pose the team on their shelf.

Each figure comes with the both of the team’s side arms: the Dino Saber and the blaster that doubles as the Dino Charge Morpher. The weapons are well-detailed but completely yellow. The morpher has a clip so it can be worn on the ranger’s belt. Each ranger’s individual weapons were conspicuous by their absence. This was forgivable with the Super Megaforce line as no such weapons existed, but it is noticeable omission with this assortment

The suggested retail price for these figures is $9.99 a pop. I bought mine at Target for $8.99 which seems to be the most common price. Admittedly, it would take a lot for me to pass on a basic figure assortment. While there could be a few more details for my liking, they still included some surprising detail that I didn’t expect. The lack of ranger specific weapons is a pretty massive detriment, but overall Bandai has come a long way with making each figure feel special as opposed to simply being the same figure over and over again with different paint.

Kids should have no problem enjoying these figures. Five inches is the perfect size for this series and they’ll enjoy having the Dino Charge and Super Megaforce teams interact with one another. Adults pretty much know what they’re getting with the basic figure assortment. Personally, I haven’t had a problem with this line outside of inconsistent sizes over the years. The Dino Charge line seems to indicate that they’ve reached a new normalcy on that issue. The price point is very reasonable and the ranger specific cards might even make you want to buy two sets: one to open and one to keep for display.

The Quick and Dirty

Pros

- Detailed, unique packaging
- Easy to open for kids and collectors
- Consistent height with Super Megaforce
- Tons of sculpted details
- Perfect price point

Cons

- Ranger bio inaccuracies
- A couple of missing paint apps
- Solid, block colored weapons
- No individual ranger weapons

Overall Grade: A-

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UKp8Y10vpg[/youtube]

This year at New York Comic Con 2013, the Bandai booth displayed their upcoming toy line for 2014 including the Legacy Dragonzord and the Legacy Dragon Dagger. Check out the pictures below!

(Via Power Morphicon)

Tamashii Nations is finally bringing the Zyuranger team together on display (minus Dragon Ranger) at San Diego Comic-Con. Prepare to spend all your money on these S.H. Figuarts!

(Via Bluefin Tamashii Nations USA)

(Via Morgan Lamia on Rangerboard)

In 2012, Power Morphicon announced that the Legacy Power Morpher will be released in January/February 2013 at $50 (subject to change). The morpher will have lights and sounds and “will be made from many die cast metal parts. Die cast front cover, grip handle and five medals. [It] will be heavy!”

I’ll be buying 5.

Last year, there wasn’t much of a Power Ranger presence, but this year was another story. Jason David Frank made an appearance at the con signing autographs and the Tamashii Nations booth had all types of Power Ranger-y goodness.

You can purchase the Super Robot Chogokin Daijyujin (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord) right now from CSToys or pre-order from Amazon for $60.99.

At San Diego Comic-Con, Bandai has unveiled their 2013 toy line for Power Rangers along with collector’s items. The following pictures include the MMPR Megazord, Armored Mighty Morphin Red Ranger, Mighty Morphin Mask Set, Sentai Series Mask Collection (only available in Japan), and the Mighty Morphin Power Morpher Collector’s Edition.

For more pictures and to view the rest of the toy line, go to http://www.tokunation.com.

(Courtesy: Tokunation)

6.5″ Auto Morphin Figures

10″ Battlized Figure

Cycles with 4″ Figures

Megazord

Zords with Figures

Role Play Items

(Courtesy: Lord Zedd08 via Rangerboard)

BANDAI AMERICA INCORPORATED CONTINUES ITS “POWERFUL” LEGACY AS THE MASTER TOY LICENSEE OF POWER RANGERS

Multi-Year Deal Reunites Bandai America Incorporated with Original Power Rangers Developer

CYPRESS, Calif. – May 17, 2010 – Bandai America Incorporated, a leading manufacturer and master toy licensee of top children’s and interactive entertainment, announced today that it will continue as master toy licensee for the iconic pop culture powerhouse Power Rangers. Under the deal with Saban Brands, a new subsidiary of Saban Capital Group, Inc., Bandai America will continue its nearly twenty year tradition of developing fun and engaging action figures, playsets, role play items and more for the Power Rangers brand worldwide. The partnership comes on the heels of the announcement that the worldwide brand rights have returned to original franchise developer, Haim Saban.

In addition to Bandai America developing and manufacturing exciting new toys for the American market, Bandai Europe will also continue to produce and distribute the Power Rangers toy line across the continent. The toy lines will complement the re-imagined Power Rangers television series with new episodes set to air on Nickelodeon starting in 2011. Further, as part of the agreement, D3Publisher of America, Inc., developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, will produce video games for the Power Rangers brand.

“Bandai America is committed to developing innovative toys that will reignite the Power Rangers brand as it embarks upon its third decade of pop culture dominance,” said Masayuki Matsuo, chairman and chief executive officer, Bandai America Incorporated. “The renewal of the Bandai and Saban collaboration will spark new fans and bolster longtime fan loyalty by delivering quality entertainment and create imaginative, modern play experiences.”

“It is only natural that as Power Rangers return to its original home with Saban, the toy license remains with Bandai America, creators of inspired, inventive toys for the brand since its inception,” said Elie Dekel, managing director and head of Saban Brands. “We are confident this reignited partnership will produce continued success and introduce the Power Rangers to a new generation of kids.”

In 1993, the Power Rangers dominated the air-waves, pop culture and playtime by showing that heroes and teamwork conquer all. Throughout the last 17 years, the brand has maintained its themes of teamwork, honesty, loyalty, courage, family, friends and above all, the victory of good over evil. In the past year, Bandai America launched a refreshed Mighty Morphin Power Rangers toy line to match the revamped Mighty Morphin television series.

About Bandai America Incorporated

A leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children’s imaginative spirit and provide endless “Fun For The Future,” Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children’s toys and interactive entertainment today. The Bandai America brand family includes Power Rangers®, Ben 10™, Harumika®, Tamagotchi®, Pocoyo™ and Teeny Little Families™ among other boys, girls, pre-school and hobby product lines. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., an entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass four strategic business units: toys and hobby, amusement facilities, game contents & visual and music content. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California. Find out more about our expertise in connecting with kids in fun and fresh ways at www.Bandai.com.

About Saban Capital Group

Saban Capital Group (“SCG”) is a leading private investment firm based in Los Angeles specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries. Established in 2001 by Haim Saban, the firm makes both controlling and minority investments in public and private companies and takes an active role in its portfolio companies. SCG’s current private equity investments include Univision (the premier Spanish-language media company in the US) and Tiger Gate Entertainment (a joint venture with Lionsgate to operate branded pay television channels across Asia). The firm formed the Saban Ventures subsidiary in 2008 to make early-stage investments in digital media, mobile and consumer internet endeavors and in 2010 formed Saban Brands LLC, a subsidiary to acquire, manage and license entertainment properties and consumer brands across media and consumer platforms globally. In addition, SCG actively manages a globally diversified portfolio of investments across public equities, credit, alternative investments, and real property assets. For more information, please visit www.Saban.com

About D3Publisher

D3Publisher is a video game publisher for Wii™, Nintendo DS™, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. D3Publisher has operations in the U.S., and Japan. The company also owns development studio Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., and its technology platform, Vicious Engine®. For more information about D3Publisher, please visit: www.d3publisher.us.

Deluxe Mix & Morph Titanus Base ($32.99 SRP): The first toy on our list really demonstrates the polarization of the hardcore collectors. For those who don’t know, the Mix & Morph line is based around Bandai of America’s extremely popular Ben 10 alien creation line. It basically allows you to take small versions the individual arms, legs and torsos of your favorite rangers and zords to combine them in any way that you see fit. It’s perfect for letting your imagination run wild.

On the flip side, we have Titanus. MMPR was back in the day before every ranger team had dozens of zords. Titanus – much like the Dino Megazord – was a sacred cow not to be messed with. Now they’ve been combined. I see it as the best of both worlds. The Megazord can ride on Titanus just like he did nearly two decades ago and kids can continue to create their own ranger/zord hybrids. But this begs the question: where’s the Dragonzord? The first season of MMPR had three main zords. We have the first. The third is confirmed. But where is the second?

(Picture Courtesy: ActionFigs.com)

Mighty Morphin Cycle with Figure ($12.99 SRP): This has been a staple of every single Power Rangers line. What’s better than a Power Ranger? How about a Power Ranger riding a motorcycle? That’s like combining peanut butter and chocolate. Two great tastes taste great together. That being said, over the years this aspect of the line has been met with mixed results. Some bikes are from the actual show. Some are thrown together to just fill out the line. Fans continue to question the odd suit designs of the figures on the bikes.

Our first cycle figures of the year featured the male rangers riding amalgamated versions of the dinosaurs. In fact, BoA went so far to keep the “males only” rule in effect that the Green Ranger rode a yellow Sabertooth Tiger. They also had traditional cycles which could be combined as new arms and legs to the deluxe Dino Megazord. This new line features a ripcord gimmick that will allow the cycles to move on their own. They will also be able to combine with the Dino Megazord.

Mighty Morphin – Morphin Racer with Figure ($17.99 SRP): To understand this part of the line picture Transformers meets Power Rangers. BoA is taking the concept of allowing kids to create their own megazords to the next level. Instead of just attaching arms and legs made out of cycles to the Dino Megazord base these cars that feature decals can morph into their own megazord torso. Its mix & morph on a whole other level.

(Picture Courtesy: Bandai)

Other toys include the traditional action feature rangers that go for $9.99. This time around they shoot projectiles from their shoulders.

We also have the Power Rangers Air Attack Megazord retailing at $44.99 making it the most expensive toy thus far of the new MMPR line. That’s right. The megazord flies. I don’t care how much hardcore fanboys sandbag and pretend otherwise, that’s cool as heck.

(Picture Courtesy: ActionFigs.com)

Speaking of the hardcore fans, you may be asking what else is out there for you to anticipate? The list might not be as long as you’d hope for but what is there delivers. The basic figure line continues with the White Ranger and the core three male rangers decked out in the Green Ranger’s dragon shield. The Green Ranger himself gets a toy only upgrade that includes more gold and silver highlights. I’m getting a Magna Defender vibe from him myself.

The cutesy, two inch line also expands featuring the Red Ranger with the dragon shield, the White Ranger, the Dino Megazord and the Dragonzord in Battle Mode.

Another interesting toy is a replica of the original morpher that shoot both the original dino coins and oddly enough the ninja coins. Could this be a sign of how deep BoA is planned to go into its MMPR catalog?

(Picture Courtesy: Sprocketman via Photokucket)

That’s all we have for now. I wouldn’t expect this to be the depth of the MMPR line for the entire fall. Typically, there is a moderate release of toys between the initial spring releases and the second big wave in the fall. I expect many of the above toys to hit in the next few months. From the wacky and the weird to the mainstays and collectibles, Bandai of America’s Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers has it all…

…including Jason and Tommy as cellphones.

So cast your vote for the Power Up Video Challenge!